Introduction

The City of Fort Worth Police Department is inviting eligible 501 (c)(3) agencies to respond to this Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposals are intended for programs that serve the public in addressing community crime and safety issues.

Background

In 1995, the citizens of Fort Worth voted to establish a Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) Board, and the District has been renewed by voters in 2000, 2005, 2009 and in 2020. Revenue is from the ½ cent sales tax and supports resources that effectively implement crime reduction strategies pertaining to violent crime, gangs, neighborhood crime, school safety, youth, and police enhancements. The fund is administered by the Fort Worth Police Department, and it is managed by an eleven-member Board of Directors who establishes the annual budget and policies, oversees expenditures, and evaluates programs funded by CCPD.

Program Grants are budgeted under the CCPD Community-Based Programs in the Partners with a Shared Mission Initiative. All CCPD programs and initiatives are described (with annual budgets and performance reports) on the FWPD webpage.

Goals of CCPD

The CCPD Board seeks to collaborate with eligible entities to achieve the CCPD Mission to: "Enhance Fort Worth’s ability to increase safety and reduce crime through partnerships, increased capabilities, training, and crime prevention and intervention programs."

Proposals must meet one of the CCPD goals defined below:

1. Reduce crime through crime prevention or intervention projects, particularly those that:
   
   • Reduce Juvenile Crime or Gang-Related Activity, or
   • Have a direct measurable impact to a neighborhood (See Direct Neighborhood Projects in Defined Terms)

2. Increase safety through Direct Neighborhood Projects, Youth Crime Prevention, or Intervention Projects.

Project Scope

Community Based Programs

All Community-Based Programs fall under the CCPD Partners with a Shared Mission Initiative. There are two types of grants under Community-Based Programs: Development Grants and Program Grants. Each grant type targets entities at different development stages or aims to achieve various purpose.

Please read the following description carefully and identify the appropriate grant to apply before responding to this RFP:

1. Development Grants – (up to $50,000 for 12 months) The purpose of this type of grant is to develop stronger agencies. Agencies that receive Development Grants can be either unregistered or 501(c)(3) entities that propose to increase their capability in a strategic way. This can be in areas such as creating a fundraising plan, developing a strategic plan, making service delivery more efficient, performing program evaluation, researching a crime/safety problem, and/or covering one-time costs for program expansion. Development Grants are not designed for direct programming.

Development Grants Webpage: https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/CCPD/development-grants

2. Program Grants – Projects funded under this type of grant will be those with a high likelihood of making a measurable impact on crime and safety. Agencies should provide their experience of success and a plan of action that uses proven methods to address crime and safety. This grant may be used for direct program expenses including personnel, fringe benefits, program supplies, equipment, etc.

Program Grants Webpage: https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/CCPD/program-grants

3. Sustainment Grants – New! The objective of this grant is to provide continued support for agencies completing a Program Grant award under approved community crime and safety priority areas (i.e. “Mission Priorities”). Sustainment Grants provide phased financial support for eligible agencies as they work to sustain impact in needed areas of the community.  In order to receive an invitation, eligible agencies should demonstrate effective utilization of CCPD funds in addition to addressing a selected Mission Priority.

Funding Amount and Project Period

Funding awarded through this RFP will result in a contract based on the tentative schedule(s) provided in this document. Funding commitments and the execution of contracts are subject to the City of Fort Worth’s budget appropriation process. As such, the number of awards is based on the amount appropriated for the fiscal year and the approval of the CCPD Board of Directors.

Program Grants:

• Maximum Funding Amount: No maximum; requests over $300,000 will require a 25% match.
• Funding Period: 3 Years (36 Months)
• Extensions: Agencies may request extensions in 6-month intervals, up to 2 years (Maximum of 4 extensions)

Funding Priorities

The Fort Worth Police Department has identified two categories of priorities: Emerging Priorities and Partner Priorities. Proposals must address one of the priority areas to be considered. Agencies can choose either category to apply under.

Emerging Priorities

Emerging Priorities are determined by the Fort Worth Police Department as trends that the Department has specifically identified as needing to address through community partnerships.  These identified priorities are: Police/Community Relations, Violent Crime Prevention, Foster Care, and Adjudicated Youth & Adults.   

Agencies should demonstrate how their project will have a measurable impact in at least one of the areas listed below.

1. Police Community Relations – Programming that increases existing or creates new collaborations between Fort Worth Police Department and minority and/or underserved community members and stakeholders.

2. Violent Crime Prevention – Programming that addresses the root causes of violent crime or that is located in areas where violent crime is most prevalent. (See Appendix A for Details)

3. Foster Care - Programming aimed at reducing risk factors and/or increasing protective factors with youth in or aging out of foster care.

4. Adjudicated Youth & Adults - Programming aimed at reducing risk factors and/or increasing protective factors with youth and adults that have been adjudicated.

Mission Priorities

Mission priorities are those that both the Fort Worth Police Department and the CCPD Board has identified as requiring ongoing development and investment.  These identified priorities are: Afterschool Programs, Gang Intervention, and Victim Services.

Agencies should demonstrate how their project will have a measurable impact in at least one of the areas listed below.

1. Afterschool Programs - Programming that keeps youth engaged in positive activities during the hours before or after the school day. Such programming should focus on reducing risk factors and/or increasing protective factors in participants.

2. Gang Intervention - Programming that engages individuals participating in gang activity with the goal moving them towards positive alternatives. Programs that conduct gang prevention activities must also include an intervention component.

3. Victim Services - Programming that provides community education or resources and support to victims of crime with the goal of reducing further victimization.